Forget Me Not | LoZ: BotW/LoZ: TotK {Link x Reader}

17

The lingering light was eradicated by nightfall descending fast. Gloomy twilight faded to a drab blackness, and with it came nocturnal creatures too abhorrent to stalk within daytime hours, shying away from sunlight as the illumination would flaunt their wretched features. Rhoam's cracked lantern held a luminescent copper flame, the only source of light within numerous kilometers, banishing the scrawling shadows converging on their prone forms.

(Y/n) minutely rearranged her weight, almost uncomfortable at the heavy atmosphere draping its cumbersome burden over her small shoulders. Quite perturbed, both (Y/n) and Link shared a mutual gaze of arrant bemusement, their puzzled eyes seeking the other out unknowingly, but it was the young woman whom reacted the strongest. Rhoam's tone indicated this was a serious matter, but then why hadn't Impa mentioned anything about the subject? Surely the elder would've divulged this information had it been extremely important. . . right?

Instantly noticing their bewilderment, Rhoam mirthlessly chuckled, eyes emitting grief that was well concealed beforehand. "Perhaps it would be best if I began this long story elsewhere." What appeared to be glowing orbs of turquoise sprouted from the older man's figure, ejecting from him like a sea of harmless fire as the light continuously disappeared after a few short seconds. "(Y/n). Link. Your tireless efforts to search for the truth brings hope to this old heart of mine, and I think the time has come to be openly honest with you both, starting with my real identity." He gathered a breath to calm his thoughts, needing a clear head before beginning. "In life, I was King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule, the last leader of a mangled kingdom you know as Hyrule." Rhoam shifted his eyes so they became downcast, the change in his demeanor seemingly slumping underneath an invisible guilt. "It pains me to say, but the kingdom which I speak of no longer exists."

The blue, ethereal radiance King Rhoam previously emanated brightened until it obscured (Y/n)'s highly sensitive pupils. Her eyelids slammed shut immediately along with Link's, a defensive arm guarding their eyes before they slowly dropped a moment later, the light vanishing. (Y/n) barely withheld her astonished gasp, but she heard Link freely express his evident surprise. Neither expected this revelation by a long-shot, almost inconceivable with it being a ridiculous notion of improbability.

Rhoam's clever masquerade fell, revealing a spectral image that shimmered brightly compared to the inky sky. The elder man (Y/n) once knew as nothing more than a weathered traveler switched to a regal gentleman dressed in the finest garments befitting someone of his stature. His outfit consisted of sapphire raiments, stitched meticulously so no one would be able to misplace the man's exalted position. If only to further secure this confirmation, a fastened tapestry wrapped around his waist imprinted with golden adornments of the Royal Family crest. Furthermore, the monarchical crown sitting atop his cranium left no room for argument.

There was an abundance of pity layering the dead king's expression, his conscience getting the better of him upon seeing (Y/n)'s betrayal stricken face. Yet, he moved forward with his explanation. "The Great Calamity was merciless. . . It devastated everything in its path, lo, a century ago." Similar to the man who once lived, his voice lowered to a depressed octave, somewhat detached from his emotions as he launched into his tale of woe. "It was then that my life was taken from me. And since that time, here I have remained, in spirit form."

(Y/n) stepped closer to Rhoam, eyes narrowed distrustfully, but caution and patience were her levelheaded friends in this situation. "When I first met you, why didn't you tell me any of this?"

Rhoam's expression remained unchanged, actually downplaying to an emotionless mask as he turned away from her to overlook his destroyed kingdom. "I did not think it wise to overwhelm you while your memory was still fragile. The same goes for Link. So rather than that, I thought it best to assume a temporary form. Forgive me," he apologized insincerely. After all, he did what he thought was a preferable choice. "For what it's worth, I am terribly sorry for misleading you."